Mr Pita is the former leader of the Move Forward Party, the PP's defunct predecessor. Mr Anutin, also prime minister, brushed aside criticism on social media against his party as an attempt to dent his party's rising popularity in some constituencies. On Mr Pita's return and the resurfacing of his controversial and dismissive remarks about the role of the military, Mr Anutin responded cautiously, saying it was possible such rhetoric could re-emerge but declined to comment further. Mr Pita on Jan 23 posted a photo on Facebook showing him on a flight back to Thailand with the caption "Okay, see you" with a flame emoji. Earlier, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chair of the Progressive Movement, said Mr Pita's return was planned for the campaign's final stretch, following an outreach to Thai voters overseas.

Source: Bangkok Post January 24, 2026 22:15 UTC